May 4th.
Today, Milan felt particularly somber.
The San Siro Stadium was as brightly lit as ever, but the number of fans gathered here was several times larger than usual.
All of them wore the No. 3 AC Milan jersey.
This was no ordinary day.25 years ago, a boy named Paolo Maldini stepped onto the pitch at San Siro for the first time.
Now, 25 years later, that boy had become a legend—but was also stepping into retirement.
Everyone wished Maldini could remain forever at his peak, just like in the old days, always filled with passion and fight.
But time spares no one.No matter how great a hero, time always wins.
On the Curva Sud, the heart of Milan's most loyal and extreme fans…
Despite past conflicts between Maldini and the ultras, today they all stood united.
A massive red-and-black No. 3 TIFO filled the entire stand.
All around the stadium were banners and signs that read:
"Farewell, Paolo!"
"Bless you, our captain!"
"You'll always be the prince of San Siro!"
"Thank you, Paolo, for everything you've done!"
"Goodbye, Paolo. Goodbye, captain!"
Tears welled up in the eyes of Milan fans.
They had long known this day would come—but now that Maldini's retirement was real, their hearts were filled with sorrow.
He had guarded this pitch for a full 25 years.
His place in Milan's history was untouchable.
He was Milan's legendary captain.He was San Siro's prince.He was the club's most beloved son.
And today, he would say goodbye to football and walk away from the green pitch.
In the stands, countless Milan legends gathered to witness this moment:
Alessandro Costacurta
Pierino Prati
Roberto Baggio
Fabrizio Roccotelli
Franco Baresi
Cesare Maldini
Only a transcendent figure like Maldini could unite legends across multiple generations for one final farewell match.
In the locker room, Maldini kept taking deep breaths.
Even though he had made this decision, now that the moment had come, the sorrow and reluctance surged like a storm.
How he wished he could be young again.
How he longed to return to those glorious, passion-filled days.
Everyone stood in silence.
The iron-willed Maldini opened his mouth several times—but no words came out.
They were all waiting for his speech, but the staff outside was already calling for them to head out.
Suker glanced at Maldini—he was clearly too emotional to speak.
He tapped Ambrosini, who looked back at him, confused.
Suker motioned subtly toward Maldini.
Realizing what needed to be done, Ambrosini clapped his hands and shouted:
"This match is for the captain!"
Suker immediately followed:
"For the big boss!"
In an instant, the entire squad erupted with battle cries.
Maldini smiled through watery eyes. He really couldn't say anything anymore.
He simply led the team out of the locker room.
This scene, captured on camera, became iconic.
This was Maldini's final match at San Siro—his last appearance as a professional footballer.
His teammates followed him, not just in this match—but on his final journey.
"Welcome to Round 36 of the 2007/08 Serie A season. AC Milan is hosting Udinese—but more importantly, today marks the retirement of their captain, Paolo Maldini!"
"Back in 1984, Maldini made his debut here before he even turned 17.24 years have passed—from prodigy to prince, to legendary captain.He has devoted his entire career to defending San Siro's honor.He is, without doubt, a Milan knight."
On screen, Maldini's long hair flowed, red-and-black jersey on his back, still fierce and unyielding.
Even in his farewell match, he gave it everything he had.
The whistle blew.
Kick-off.
Milan came out aggressively—far more intense than usual.
After all, this was Maldini's farewell match.They weren't about to send him off with a loss.Suker and the others played like warriors.
Udinese, on the other hand, lacked urgency.
They knew this was a sentimental match—and they respected that.
Messing up Maldini's farewell?They'd be blacklisted across Italian football.
Besides, they weren't in a relegation fight, nor were they chasing a Champions League spot or a title.
Win or lose, it didn't really matter.
So the game felt more like an exhibition—full of respect and emotion.
Maldini frequently pushed forward, returning to his familiar left-back role.
Whenever Suker drifted into the half-space, Maldini would overlap down the wing, creating options for the attack.
Seeing Maldini run again like that—his form, his posture—brought tears to the eyes of Milan fans.
Even though he was still on the pitch, the thought of him never stepping out here again…
It was heartbreaking.
In the 29th minute, Maldini launched a beautiful cross.
Suker leapt above everyone and powered the ball into the net.
After scoring, Suker sprinted toward Maldini and hugged him tightly.
Then, as they reached the stands, Suker stepped back—
Giving the stage to Maldini.
In the second half, the 56th minute, Kaká assisted Suker, who scored his second goal.
"Suker scores a brace!Still in peak form!He gifts both goals to the captain on this unforgettable day!"
Milan fans applauded while crying.
They wished time would slow down—
They hadn't yet had enough of Maldini's running, of his grace on the field.
But farewells always come.
When the final whistle blew…
Udinese's players intentionally kicked the ball out of bounds.
Everyone in the stadium stood and applauded.
On the giant screen, Maldini's face appeared.His eyes were red—but he held back the tears.
He embraced every one of his teammates—without saying a single word.
"Maldini is leaving the pitch… leaving the football he loves.Along with him, AC Milan's No. 3 jersey is being retired."
"A number worn and guarded by three generations—now it steps down in glory."
"Maldini gave that number a legendary weight.And under such a heavy legacy, no one else could ever wear it again."
"There is only one Paolo Maldini.Only one No. 3 for AC Milan.On May 4th, 2008, at San Siro, he bid farewell to professional football."
"He prepared no farewell speech—he walked off like a routine substitution.But this time, it was Milan's legendary captain who was being subbed off, never to return."
"As a commentator, as a spectator, I want to say:Thank you, Paolo."
"Thank you for 24 years of brilliant football."
"Thank you for your service to the Italian national team."
"Thank you for being with us, year after year."
"Thank you for every single match."
"Farewell, Paolo."
Aldo Serena, voice hoarse and trembling, added:
"May your future be filled with joy and laughter. May every day be extraordinary."
"There's so much to say…But farewells are always too brief. Treasure this moment. Remember that silhouette."
Tens of thousands of fans had tears streaming down their faces.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the stadium.
They watched through blurry eyes as Paolo Maldini walked off the pitch, into the tunnel.
His figure was slowly swallowed by the shadows.
That shining No. 3 faded…
Until it disappeared completely.
"Goodbye, Paolo."
"Goodbye, our eternal captain!"
The match continued.
But in that moment—
The result no longer mattered.
San Siro wept.
But everyone understood—
Today, the Prince of San Siro had retired.
He left the stadium he had guarded for 24 years.